Welcome to Past the Breakwater, a growing collection of articles from Thrive Atlantic Counselling exploring the realities of aging and caregiving, offering guidance, support, and perspective beyond the familiar shores.
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By Brendan Storey, MSW | RSW, Thrive Atlantic Counselling
Author of Past the Breakwater Series Abstract: Treading water is exhausting, but it is much harder when the land is out of sight. Caregiving is often a battle against the inevitable depletion of your own energy. This is a look at the reality of the constant watch, the long gray middle of the storm, and why your exhaustion is the most honest response to a role that feels like it has no shore.
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How caregiving through dementia and other illnesses changes who we are to each other and ourselves
By Brendan Storey, MSW | RSW, Thrive Atlantic Counselling Author of Past the Breakwater Series Abstract: Caregiving reshapes relationships in ways that can be hard to name. You may find yourself doing more, holding more, but being seen less. This is especially true for those supporting loved ones with dementia or other progressive conditions, where the changes are often slow and profound. This piece explores what happens when familiar roles fade, and how that loss can feel isolating, even when you keep showing up with love. It doesn’t offer fixes. Instead, it offers language to make sense of something many people live through but rarely talk about. By Brendan Storey, MSW | RSW, Thrive Atlantic Counselling
Author of Past the Breakwater Series Abstract: Emotional well-being is often overlooked in conversations about aging, yet it shapes how older adults experience change, connection, and identity. In this article, I explore how stigma, self-reliance, and strained systems affect the emotional health of seniors in New Brunswick. Drawing from my work with older adults and caregivers, I reflect on what it means to respect resilience while creating spaces where emotional support is accessible, practical, and dignified. By Brendan Storey, MSW | RSW, Thrive Atlantic Counselling
Author of Past the Breakwater Series Abstract: Caregivers in Canada often miss out on financial supports. Not because they don’t qualify, but because the systems meant to help are complex and poorly communicated. Two key programs, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Canadian Caregiver Credit (CCC), remain underused despite their potential to offer some relief. While these credits can’t capture the real cost of caregiving, they may offer much-needed support for those carrying both emotional and financial burdens. This article explains how each credit works, why starting with the DTC can simplify the process, and how eligible caregivers can claim both supports retroactively, even if they’re only learning about them now. Past the Breakwater: Navigating Aging in New Brunswick - Key Resources and Support Systems3/21/2025 By Brendan Storey, MSW | RSW, Thrive Atlantic Counselling
Author of Past the Breakwater Series Abstract: Aging presents unique challenges, particularly for seniors and caregivers in New Brunswick, who often face difficulties navigating the fragmented support systems available to them. As a social worker specializing in counseling for seniors and caregivers, I share practical insights on how to access and utilize the resources designed to support aging in place, from home support services to financial assistance programs. This article outlines key services available in New Brunswick, offering guidance on how to navigate the complexities of medical care, safety tools, social well-being, and legal planning. While acknowledging the limitations and barriers of the system, I provide practical solutions and strategies to help seniors age with dignity and support. This article is part of the Past the Breakwater series, which aims to offer insights, explorations, and discussions on the challenges and resources surrounding aging. By Brendan Storey, MSW | RSW, Thrive Atlantic Counselling
Author of Past the Breakwater Series Abstract: Caregiving is a compassionate but demanding responsibility that can take a toll on caregivers' physical and emotional health. This article discusses the risks caregivers face, including burnout and neglecting their own health, and offers practical strategies to help preserve well-being. Key strategies include setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, using respite services, and seeking emotional support. The article highlights how caregivers can maintain their health while continuing to provide meaningful care. This piece is part of the Past the Breakwater series and aims to support caregivers in balancing their own needs with those of their loved ones. |
AuthorBrendan Storey, MSW | RSW, is a clinical social worker and the founder of Thrive Atlantic Counselling. Based in New Brunswick, Brendan specializes in supporting those navigating the complex emotional waters of caregiving, grief, and life transitions. He writes from the intersection of professional insight and personal experience, often from a rocking chair in the early morning hours. Archives |
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